More than 130 high profile Australian organisations and individuals have joined the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in its quest to get every Australian to participate in the Census on Tuesday, 8 August.

The Official Census Supporters Group is a new initiative from the ABS that engages the support and involvement of respected Australian businesses, community organisations and individuals. The role of the group is to publicly support the 2006 Census in order to raise awareness and maximise national participation.

TheAustralian Statistician, Dennis Trewin, said today that he was pleased to see such support for the Census. “This is the first time we have approached organisations and prominent individuals to support the Census and we’ve been met with an overwhelming response,” Mr Trewin said.

“The support we have received emphasises the importance of Census information by demonstrating how this information is used at a practical level by a wide variety of Australian businesses, community groups and professional associations”.

Business Council of Australia Chief Executive Katie Lahey said that without a precise snapshot of Australia's population it was difficult to predict future requirements and opportunities. “When filling out your Census form, think about how clear and accurate information will assist in planning for our future," Ms Lahey said.

The list of Census Supporters is extensive and includes a comprehensive cross-section of the Australian community. Endorsers include those listed below:

Volunteering Australia IncAustralian Football LeagueBusiness Council of AustraliaCancer Council NSWCountry Women’s Association of AustraliaFederation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of AustraliaNational Aged Care Alliance

National Farmers’ Federation NSW Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council Queensland Rugby League Salvation Army Western Australia Division SA Unions Tasmanian Council of Social Service Inc United Muslim Women Association Inc Victoria State Emergency Service

For a full listing of the organisations in the Official Census Supporters Group and to read what they have to say about the Census, please visit www.abs.gov.au/census